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  • ghostdzog
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    Post count: 4

    Hello

    Autism Spectrum Disorder or Condition is a lifelong condition that starts at birth.
    No event can cause autism (according to present knowledge) although some events can cause
    symptoms that may also be included in autism.

    One example is stroke. However, in such cases, a person who suffers from symptoms similar to that that someone suffers from autism suffers will not have autism but will suffer such symptoms due suffering from a stroke.

    For more advice on the matter you can seek an assessment from a qualified professional ideally a clinical psychologist who specialises in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

    Such a person may be contacted at your national Autism advice service.
    Hope this helps.

    ghostdzog
    Participant
    Post count: 4

    Hello
    nice to hear from you
    to help a little with the new criteria for diagnosis for autism compared to the old one

    the new criteria now looks more on level of impairment rather than the previous criteria’s that are more split up into categories. i.e. Asperger syndrome, autism with learning difficulties

    previously Asperger syndrome and autism were considered two separate conditions
    with people who had the Asperger variety consider to have less impairment or disability that people who also had learning difficulties (such as an IQ below 75).

    However, psychologists realized over time that some of the people with Asperger’s, even those who have extremely high IQ’s had more impairment or disability in life that some of the people who had low IQ’s.

    The psychologists also realised that some of the people with Asperger syndrome etc.
    suffered from more symptoms that made their lives difficult.

    For example, previously someone with Asperger Syndrome who suffered from communication problems and sensory impairment would not have been consider as disabled as someone who had learning difficulties but who didn’t suffer from sensory impairment or communication problems or had obstacles to employment etc. (if such a person exists).

    So. In 2015, the American Psychiatrists Association, decided to create an umbrella term for all symptoms that are associated with autism regardless of an individuals IQ level, so that the diagnosis measured more the level of disability or impairment than their IQ level.

    Now, Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism Spectrum condition includes all forms of autism.
    To be diagnosed with this condition / disorder, a person must undergo an evaluation by a qualified health professional. generally a clinical psychologist who specialises in this area.

    And the individual must fulfil the diagnostic criteria.

    What that means from here, is that you should now be able to access some forms of support for your condition. You may also be able to read up on the condition so you may gain a better understanding of the condition for yourself, so you can at least understand why the way you are.

    There is however no present way of treating or curing the condition using medicine.
    Some psychologists do believe however there are some types of therapy that can help reduce some of the problems that people who have autism have, although such therapies are usually more aimed at reducing problems with mental health that can exist comorbidly (at the same time with autism).

    In some countries such as US, having a diagnosis of autism may mean that you may be able to be housed in specialist housing. It also may mean that you will receive some form of benefit for being disabled. as Autism spectrum disorder is a recognised disability and has been since 1995.

    Hope this helps.
    cheers
    justin

    ghostdzog
    Participant
    Post count: 4
    in reply to: Adult son #6965

    Hello Becky
    not sure why no one has answered your message.
    I guess that not many people belong to this forum? not sure.

    I got an email so thought I would reply to help

    I think that you could very well be on the right track regarding your son.
    Although please keep in mind I am not a medical professional but someone also with autism (Asperger syndrome).

    Many of the symptoms that you have listed can be associated with Autism.
    The jumpy limbs is often associated with Autism. Periodic limb movement disorder.

    Although in my experience the limb movement disorder can also be caused by too much dopamine which can in turn be caused by a high dose of venlafaxine.
    Perhaps only people with the disposition are affected? Not sure, cant say.

    What you mention as tantrums, if autism related would not necessarily be tantrums in the naughty sense but overstimulation and lack of control over cognitive function that prevents overstimulation. If your son has autism then the tantrum thing will not be controllable although there may be things that can be done to reduce the chances of overstimulation happening.

    I think that your best bet would be to find a specialist, as to be brutally honest. General practitioners are usually absolutely useless when it comes to autism especially where the patients IQ is normal or higher than normal.

    The problem with doctors is that many of them think they know everything but don’t.

    The problem with autism is that it is a neurological condition and disability that is invisible. it can not be diagnosed by how someone looks.

    The additional problem is that previously people associated being retarded with autism. Autism is not a retardation but a neurological diversity or impairment.

    I recommend that you seek out a clinical psychologist who has a specialism in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder/Condition.
    As a good experienced professional will be able to make a good assessment.

    Hope this helps
    the books by Tony Atwood are also useful for Asperger Syndrome.

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